Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a fascinating blend of medieval and modern. The ancient city walls and towers still stand, while modern buildings and urban developments have sprung up around them. One of the best ways to explore this unique city is by taking a city tour. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one to take. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best city tours in Tallinn, each offering a different perspective and experience of this beautiful city. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to take in the sights, we’ve got a tour for you.
The 10 Best City Tours in Tallinn
- Welcome to Tallinn: Private Walking Tour with a Local
- 15:15 in Tallinn: Guided City Tours with Small Group
- Medieval Tallinn 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour
- Tallinn: Estonian Craft Beer Tasting
- Tallinn: Medieval Walking Tour
- Tallinn: Private Guided Walking Tour of the Medieval City
- Tallinn Food Tour
- Tallinn: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Entry and Guided Tour
- Tallinn: 1.5-Hour Old Town Walking Tour
- Tallinn: 1 Hour Old Town Walking Tour
The 10 Best City Tours in Tallinn
1. Welcome to Tallinn: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Transform the way you travel and get a warm welcome to Tallinn with a private walking tour led by a passionate local. Learn about the city’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets, while making travel all about friendly people and not just about places. Get familiar with your local neighborhood and discover the best places to eat, buy groceries, and the easiest ways to get around. Alternatively, you can arrange to meet at a central landmark or intersection to start your walking tour. Customize your tour according to your interests and hear about the top things to do. The tour includes the guidance of a local expert and entrance fees, and children below 3 years can join free of charge while children from 3 to 12 years are eligible for a 50% discount. If you wish to include a visit to an attraction, you will need to cover the cost of entrance for the guide. Please note that transportation around the city is not included as this is a walking tour. By the end of the tour, you will feel comfortable navigating the city with all the information you need.
2. 15:15 in Tallinn: Guided City Tours with Small Group
Explore Tallinn in a new way and avoid the beaten track with the 15:15 daily walking tour. Walk the central trail and see all the main city sights with a local guide. Discover the city in a unique and intimate way, while gaining insight into the history and culture of the area. With a small group vibe, this tour provides plenty of time to ask questions and receive recommendations. The meeting point is under the Town Hall clock on the Town Hall Square, where the guide will be holding the yellow sign with “15:15 in Tallinn” logo. The tour has a fixed price and gratuities are not expected. Book your spot now and join us on this unforgettable tour.
3. Medieval Tallinn 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour
Explore the medieval Old Town of Tallinn on this 2-hour walking tour. Discover historical landmarks such as Toompea Castle and the remains of St. Catherine’s Dominican Monastery. Walk along Pikk Street and see the houses of the merchants and craft guilds, getting a sense of medieval Tallinn. Visit the Lower Town and Upper Town, including churches such as the Holy Ghost St. Nicolas and St. Olaf. Hear tales of noble knights who lived in the Upper Town and learn why Tallinn is dubbed the town that limps on Lühike Jalg (Short Leg Street). Admire the stunning exterior of the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Lutheran St. Mary’s Cathedral. Cap off the tour with a visit to Toompea Castle, home of the Estonian Parliament and boasting the Tall Herman tower. Get a fantastic view of the city from a terrace in the Upper Town before heading back to the Lower Town and Town Hall Square. Your English-speaking guide will make sure you learn about the history and culture of Tallinn on this memorable tour. Please note, meals and drinks are not included in the tour. Meet at the Town Hall Square under the Town Hall clock.
4. Tallinn: Estonian Craft Beer Tasting
Experience the best of Estonian beer with this 1.5-hour craft beer tasting tour in Tallinn. Your English-speaking guide will take you on a journey through the history and traditions of beer making in Estonia, while exploring the city’s connection to alcohol. Sample five different kinds of Estonian beer, including Saku Hele and Põhjala, at a local cafe while enjoying some delicious Estonian snacks. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a bottle or two of your favorite beer as a souvenir to take home. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the best beer Tallinn has to offer! The meeting point for the tour is the Town Hall square.
5. Tallinn: Medieval Walking Tour
Explore the medieval charm of Tallinn on this walking tour. Discover fascinating stories and legends about the history of the city as you wander through the narrow gothic dwellings and cozy cobblestone streets of the Old Town. See the medieval dwellings from the 14th to the 15th-century, the oldest town hall and pharmacy in Europe, and the once tallest St. Olaf Church. Visit the largest and oldest Orthodox church in Estonia and the Toompea Castle occupied by parliament. The tour ends with a visit to a viewing platform for a breathtaking view of Tallinn. Along the way, your guide will provide recommendations on where to experience local food, find souvenirs, and which museums to visit. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking over cobblestone streets. Book at least 2-3 days in advance, especially during summer, to guarantee a spot on this historical journey. Tour is offered in English, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, German, and Japanese.
6. Tallinn: Private Guided Walking Tour of the Medieval City
Explore the fascinating medieval city of Tallinn with a private guided walking tour of both the lower and upper town. Discover the unique charm and enchanting flair of the old town as you see impressive merchant houses, towering churches, interesting galleries, and charming shops. Experience the well-preserved city wall of the upper town and explore the trendy Kalamaja area with its colorful, quaint wooden houses. This German-speaking tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance to the Cathedral Church, and possible transfers outside the city center if desired. Expect an average duration of 3 to 4 hours with breaks possible at any time. Your experienced guide, who has been working in the tourism industry for almost as long as they have lived in Tallinn, will provide fascinating insights into the city’s history and culture. Join this tour for an unforgettable visit to Tallinn.
7. Tallinn Food Tour
This food tour of Tallinn is a gastronomical journey through the city’s Old Town and nearby Kalamaja quarter. You’ll get a chance to experience the flavors and aromas of Estonian cuisine and learn about the country’s cultural and culinary past. The tour includes around 6 food and drink stops featuring traditional and modern Estonian dishes. You’ll sample local favorites like black rye bread, spiced sprat sandwiches, and sweets, as well as modern Estonian cuisine. The tour also includes a sampling of local drinks like ‘Kali’ or/and ‘Kama’, Sea Buckthorn or Birch juice, and a cup of locally roasted coffee or local craft beer or berry and fruit wine degustation to conclude. Note that food and drink stops and the menu can vary depending on the season. Hotel pick-up and drop off are included, and tips/gratuities are covered. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The meeting point is the Tallinn Tourism Information Centre on Niguliste Str. 2. Please bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing. Luggage or large bags are not allowed. Transfers from/to hotel, port, or airport can be arranged at an additional cost.
8. Tallinn: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Entry and Guided Tour
Explore the wonders of Tallinn with a guided tour of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Led by a knowledgeable Deacon, this tour offers an unforgettable experience of learning about Orthodox Christianity and admiring the stunning architecture of the pre-revolutionary church. Guests will have the chance to ascend to the belfry and witness the impressive collection of Moscow bells whose chime echoes throughout the Old Town during Orthodox holidays. The tour also offers a rare opportunity to view the unique works of Novoskoltsev, an illustrious 20th-century architect and icon painter, whose personal signature can be found on the Cathedral’s icons. Visitors will end the tour with the chance to venerate relics of saints and ask Father Ilja religious and ecclesiastical questions. Please note that modest attire and respectful behavior are required during the visit, and photography is only allowed with the guide’s approval and without flash. Climb to new heights and immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of Tallinn with the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Entry and Guided Tour.
9. Tallinn: 1.5-Hour Old Town Walking Tour
Explore the best of Tallinn’s charming Old Town with this 1.5-hour walking tour. Visit the historic Town Hall Square and hear fascinating stories about its history. Marvel at the picturesque medieval churches as your guide provides interesting commentary. Learn more about the city walls and take pictures from the viewing platforms on Toompea Hill, including a visit to the Parliament of Estonia. Stroll through St. Catherine’s Passage, one of the most picturesque Old Town lanes, and explore St. Catherine’s Guild’s collection of craft workshops. Finish your tour with a visit to the city’s oldest existing building, the Dominican Monastery dating back to 1246. The tour includes a guide, transfers from the cruise port, and optional entrance fees to the churches. The meeting point is in front of the Tallinn Tourist Information Centre on Kullassepa 4/Niguliste 2. Join this tour now to experience one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Northern Europe.
10. Tallinn: 1 Hour Old Town Walking Tour
Discover the heart of Tallinn with a 1-hour Old Town walking tour. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the historic and geographical center of the city, sharing real stories and legends of the Old Town and revealing its most impressive buildings and attractions. Start your journey at the beautiful Town Hall, then continue on to view the oldest stone building in Tallinn, the “3 Sisters” complex of living buildings. Along the way, enjoy views of the Old City Wall and other sites of interest. This tour includes guide service, hotel pickup and drop-off, and is not suitable for those with mobility impairments. Come dressed in comfortable clothing and be prepared for any weather conditions, rain or shine. Join this 1-hour walking tour and emerge with a greater understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of Tallinn’s Old Town.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tallinn: Answered
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It’s a city with a rich historical and cultural background and interesting tourist destinations. However, before visiting Tallinn, a lot of visitors have questions. In this post, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Tallinn.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Tallinn?
The best time to visit Tallinn depends on your preference. If you prefer warm and sunny weather, the best time to visit is from June to August. During this period, the temperature ranges from 15 – 25 Celsius. The city is also crowded during this time and prices of accommodation and tourist activities are usually higher.
If you prefer winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, you should visit during winter, from December to February. During this time, the temperature ranges from -5 to 5 Celsius. However, be prepared for wind and snow.
If you want to avoid crowds, you should visit Tallinn during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the temperature is about 10 – 15 Celsius. During this time, the city is not crowded, and accommodation and tourist activities are cheaper.
How Do I Get To Tallinn?
Tallinn is easily accessible by air, sea, and land.
By Air: Tallinn has an international airport, Tallinn Airport. Major airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet, and AirBaltic fly to Tallinn. Once you arrive, you can take a taxi or public transport to your accommodation.
By Sea: Tallinn has a ferry port that connects it to Helsinki, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg. Ferries run regularly, and the trip takes about 2-3 hours.
By Land: Tallinn is connected to Russia, Latvia, and Lithuania by bus. If you’re coming from Helsinki, you can take a bus or train to Tallinn. Buses take about 2.5 hours, while trains take about 2 hours.
What’s The Currency Used In Tallinn?
The currency used in Tallinn is Euro (€). You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange offices, or use an ATM to withdraw cash.
What Language Is Spoken In Tallinn?
The official language in Tallinn is Estonian. However, most people speak English, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Other languages spoken by some locals include Russian, Finnish, and German.
What Are The Best Tourist Attractions In Tallinn?
Tallinn has numerous tourist attractions that cater to different interests. Some of the best tourist attractions include:
- Old Town
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Kadriorg Palace
- St. Olaf’s Church
- Tallinn Town Hall
- Tallinn TV Tower
- Kumu Art Museum
- Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour
There are also many parks, restaurants, and nightlife spots to explore in Tallinn.
Is Tallinn Safe?
Tallinn is a safe city. However, as with any tourist destination, it’s important to be cautious and aware of pickpockets and scammers. Avoid flashing your valuables and keep important documents in a safe place. If you encounter any problems, contact the police or your embassy.
Conclusion
Tallinn is a beautiful city with a lot of tourist attractions. The best time to visit depends on your preference, and it’s easily accessible by air, sea, and land. The currency used is Euro (€), and English is widely spoken. Some of the best tourist attractions include the Old Town, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Kadriorg Palace, and St. Olaf’s Church. Tallinn is a safe city, but it’s important to be cautious when traveling.
We hope this blog post has answered your questions about Tallinn. Have a wonderful trip!
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